Insect population dynamics in changing environments

我的研究项目考察了驱动昆虫数量的过程，特别是在大的空间和时间尺度上。昆虫种群特别适合于这样的研究，因为不同物种表现出广泛的动态；我的研究项目利用了三个具有非常不同动态的昆虫系统。项目结合了对人口的长期监测，以及对推动这些动态的过程的实验研究。我研究了北方森林的碎片化对森林捕食者--森林帐篷毛虫--暴发的周期性害虫种群动态的影响。这些研究发现，碎片化森林中更严重的疫情部分是由于碎片化使帐篷毛虫与其天敌脱钩的结果。

My research program examines the processes that drive insect populations, in particular at a large spatial and temporal scale. Insect populations are particularly suitable for such studies because of the wide range of dynamics that different species show; my research program makes use of three insect systems with very different dynamics. Projects combine long-term monitoring of populations, and the experimental study of process that drive those dynamics. I examine the effect of fragmentation of boreal forests on the dynamics of outbreaking, cyclic pest populations of the forest defoliator, the forest tent caterpillar. These studies identify that the more severe outbreaks in fragmented forest result in part from the effect of fragmentation de-coupling the tent caterpillar from its natural enemies.